Word: Ben Jones
THE UK’s first hydrogen-powered main line train moved under its own power for the first time at the ‘Rail Live’ event in June.
Porterbrook ‘HydroFLEX’ demonstrator No. 799001, extensively modified from dual-voltage EMU No. 319001, has been fitted with a hydrogen power pack, allowing it to run as normal on electrified routes, or independently using fuel cells to generate electrical current to power traction equipment.
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No. 799001 has been developed by Porterbrook and the University of Birmingham’s Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE), and will be tested on the main line following the successful low-speed trials.
Read more in the July 2019 issue of The RM – on sale now!